Pets & Parks

Kiawah Beachwalker Park

In the parking lot and on the boardwalk, pets must be leashed at all times. On the beach, pets may be off-leash in the designated area only from November 1– March 15. Pets must be leashed at all other times (March 16-October 31). No pets are allowed on South end of beach park as this is a sensitive nesting habitat. A Town of Kiawah Ordinance identifies specific regulations for the remainder of the island.

Isle of Palms County Park

Behind the beachfront: Pets must be leashed at all times. On the beach: Pets may be off-leash: April 1 - Sept. 14 from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m.; Sept. 15 - March 31 before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Pets must be leashed at all other times, but are still allowed on the beach.

Folly Beach County Park

Pets must be leashed at all times. No pets are allowed during the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 – September 30.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve (Folly Beach)

No pets are allowed due to the sensitive nesting habitat.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

No pets are allowed due to the sensitive wildlife habitat.

James Island County Park

Pets must be leashed unless inside of the designated dog park.

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park

Pets must be leashed unless inside of the designated dog park.

Palmetto Islands County Park

Pets must be leashed unless inside of the designated dog park.

Mount Pleasant Pier

Pets are not allowed on the pier.

Folly Beach Pier

Pets on the beach must be leashed at all times. No pets are allowed on the beach during the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 – September 30. Pets are not allowed on the pier.

Laurel Hill County Park

Pets are to be leashed at all times.

These restrictions do not apply to service animals, as defined by the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.

Taking your 4-legged friend for an outdoor adventure?
Remember these tips to help you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable time while helping to protect our local green spaces and waterways!

Know Before You Go!
Before your trip:

Research your destination and local pet/leash laws that may be in effect there.

Check local forecast for severe weather and/or heat.

Pack plenty of water for you and your pet.

Bring a leash and pet waste bags.

Stay on the Right Path!

When hiking, keep your pet on the trail to minimize the impact on natural areas and to avoid contact with potentially harmful bites or stings.

Biting animals like fleas, ticks, chiggers, and snakes are much more likely to be found in tall grasses and leaf litter than on a maintained exposed trail.

Keep it Legal!

Local pet and leash laws are designed help protect pets and the local environment.

Be aware of and respect these laws to help avoid damage to the ecosystem, conflicts with wildlife or other people, and hefty fines by law enforcement

In designated off-leash areas, be mindful of your pet and have a leash handy just in case.

When "Doodie" Calls – Trash It!

Always pick up after your pet and dispose of the pet-waste bag properly.

Pet waste that is not disposed of properly washes directly into our local waterways through storm drains and groundwater, causing contamination, algal blooms, and fish die-off.

Carry an extra bag to use as a back-up or lend to someone who is in need.

Be a Good Guest!

Remember that when you are exploring the great outdoors with your pet, you are a guest of the thousands of wild plants and animals that call this green space home.

Help prevent unwanted interactions between your pet and wildlife by never encouraging your pet to chase or harass wildlife and by always paying attention to signs that designate sensitive natural areas that may shelter migrating or nesting animals.